AM Update

8:04 am

Wed May 9, 2012

A Texas judge has called for a hearing over a radioactive waste site in West Texas.

Photo courtesy flickr.com/kmart

New Border Patrol Strategy Focuses on Intelligence

The U.S. Border Patrol unveiled a new plan for tightening America’s borders yesterday.

The 2012-2016 Border Patrol Strategic Plan includes tactics and technologies developed over the past few years like unmanned aircraft systems – aka, drones – but also more focus on preventing risk.

The past few years have been a period of unprecedented growth in resources for the Border Patrol. Right now, there are more law enforcement officers on the border – more than 21,000 – than at any time in Border Patrol history.

One major focus for the Border Patrol remains disrupting “transnational criminal organizations” – or gangs like Mexican drug cartels.

Through targeted enforcement against high priority threats and the expansion of programs that aim to reduce smuggling and associated crimes, the Border Patrol will increase the ability to disrupt and degrade the transnational criminal organizations along our borders.

Fronteras reporter Jose Luis Jimenez reports the plan should be finalized in 2013.

Judge Calls for Hearing on a Texas Radioactive Site

A Texas district judge ruled on Tuesday that the state’s environmental agency should have allowed a hearing over a new radioactive waste site in West Texas before it licensed the site.

At a work session this morning, the council is looking at the city’s “enterprise departments:” revenue-generating departments including Austin Energy, Austin Water and Economic Growth and Redevelopment Services. According to its agenda, council is set for a “presentation and discussion of departmental conditions including horizon issues, unmet needs, key performance data and financial forecasts” for the three departments.

Separate from the budget talks, council has held several work sessions going over proposed rate increases for Austin Energy customers. Another item on council’s agenda today allows for “possible action regarding amendments to the Austin Energy rate work session schedule and topics.” Council has two additional AE work sessions scheduled this month.